Organize Your Unpacking

When all the boxes are stacked in your new home, think about the possibilities — the most exciting phase of your move is just beginning. Now is the time you’ll shape the look and living space of your new place.

If you follow a plan for unpacking, you’ll be happier with the results. Plus, a well-considered strategy will lower your stress, giving you extra energy to devote to other tasks ... like adjusting to your new neighborhood and fine-tuning your daily routine.

Start with the essentials. Equip the bathroom, kitchen and bedrooms with the necessities:

Bathroom — Unpack toilet paper, soap, first-aid kit, shower curtain, towels and toiletries.
Kitchen — Stock the cabinets with cups, plates, napkins and utensils (disposable is most convenient); unload any groceries and refrigerate perishables.
Bedroom — If you make each bed now, you’ll thank yourself later. Also, if you have to dress for work or a special occasion tomorrow, make sure you have an outfit ready to wear.

The kitchen is next. Line the kitchen shelves and put your essential cookware in place. This way, you’ll be able to prepare meals or snacks right away. Wait to unpack your full supply of pots and pans until you can figure out the most efficient workflow for the room’s arrangement of counters, cabinets, sink and appliances.

Back to the bedroom. Arrange the main pieces of furniture and transfer your clothes and personal items to drawers and shelves. If you can, take the time to set up an organized closet rather than cramming in clothes and boxes that will need to be straightened out later.

Clear the living room. Move unpacked boxes out of this area as soon as you can...having a cleared space for family and drop-in visitors will make a big difference. Arrange your major pieces of furniture and set up your electronics near available outlets.

Tackle other rooms one by one. Your lifestyle should dictate what rooms are organized next. Are sit-down family dinners a priority? Then so is your dining room. Do your kids spend hours in your rec area? Time to make a place for the games. When it’s time to set up the garage, consider installing shelves and wall hooks so you can arrange tools, shovels and rakes in order.

Take It Easy

Don’t let the chore of unpacking put too much pressure on your and your family, especially if unexpected responsibilities arise that take up time elsewhere. Remember...what matters is you’ve made it to your new home. Step by step, the job will get done!